Bagdana, a village in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, has been declared anthrax-hit by the district authorities after sample of a domestic animal tested positive for the disease.

"One sample from the dead animals in Bagdna was found to be positive for anthrax. That is the reason we declared the village as anthrax-hit," Bhavnagar District Collector Pradeep Saha said on Saturday.

Anthrax is a serious disease of sheep and cattle, which could be transmitted to humans. It is caused by the bacterium bacillus anthracis, which is highly lethal in some forms.

About half a dozen animals had died in the village recently and their samples were sent for testing, he added.

The administration has decided to take all necessary steps to control the spread of the disease, Saha said.

Teams from State Health and Animal Husbandry Departments reached the village today and are conducting house-to-house check-up of cattle.

"We have chalked out a plan and are working on it. If more cattle are found to be affected by the disease, then we will isolate them and treat them. Areas surrounding the village would also be checked," Saha added.

The anthrax bacillum can form long-lived spores in a hostile environment, caused by the death of an infected host or extreme temperature. The bacteria become inactive dormant spores, which can remain viable for decades.

When spores are inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with a skin lesion on a host, they reactivate and multiply rapidly.